Obtaining body segment inertia parameters using structured light scanning with Microsoft Kinect

Background: Accurate estimates of body segment inertia parameters (BSIP) are important for many biomechanical analyses. BSIP have been estimated using techniques such as those based on proportional scaling, geometric modeling and medical imaging techniques. However, these methods are limited by being either, for example, not specific to the individual, time consuming, hard to access, or subject to ethical constraints. Laser scanning methods have also been used to obtain BSIP but the equipment required is often very expensive. Recently, Wicke and Dumas (2010, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 26, 26–31) suggested that structured light scanning techniques would be suitable for obtaining individual specific BSIP. Microsoft recently released a peripheral capable of structured light scanning – costing *£100 – offering the possibility of obtaining individual specific estimate of BSIP using commodity hardware.